<h2>Name</h2>
<p>
The Surah is so designated after the word <em>al-bayyinah</em> occurring at the
end of the first verse.
</p>
<h2>Period of Revelation</h2>
<p>
Where it was revealed, at Makkah or Madinah, is also disputed. Some
commentators say it is a Makki revelation according to most scholars;
others say it is a Madani revelation according to most scholars. Ibn
Az Zubair and Ata bin Yasar hold the view that it is Madani. Ibn Abbas
and Qatadah are reported to have held two views, first that it is
Makki, second that it is Madani. Hadrat Aishah regards it as a Makki
Surah. Abu Hayyan, author of <em>Bahr al-Muhit</em>, and Abdul Munim ibn al-
Faras, author of <em>Ahkam al-Quran</em>, also have preferred to regard it as
Makki. As for its contents, there is nothing in it to indicate whether
it was revealed at Makkah or at Madinah.
</p>
<h2>Theme and Subject Matter</h2>
<p>
Its having been placed after Surahs Al-Alaq and Al-Qadr in the
arrangement of the Quran is very meaningful. Surah Al-Alaq contains the
very first revelation, while Surah Al-Qadr shows as to when it was
revealed, and in this Surah it has been explained why it was necessary
to send a Messenger along with this Holy Book. 
</p>
<p>
First of all the need
of sending a Messenger has been explained, saying: The people of the
world, be they from among the followers of the earlier scriptures or
from among the idolaters, could not possibly be freed from their state
of unbelief, until a Messenger was sent whose appearance by itself
should be a clear proof of his apostleship, and he should present the
Book of God before the people in its original, pristine form, which
should be free from every mixture of falsehood corrupting the earlier
Divine Books; and which should comprise sound teachings. 
</p>
<p>
Then, about
the errors of the followers of the earlier Books it has been said that
the cause of their straying into different creeds was not that Allah
had not provided any guidance to them, but they strayed only after a
clear statement of the Right Creed had come to them. From this it
automatically follows that they themselves were responsible for their
error and deviation. Now, if even after the coming of the clear
statement through this Messenger, they continued to stray, their
responsibility would further increase. 
</p>
<p>
In this very connection, it has
been stated that the Prophets who came from Allah and the, Books sent
down by Him, did not enjoin anything but that the way of sincere and
true service to Allah be adopted, apart from all other ways, no one
else's worship, service or obedience be mixed with His, the <em>salat</em> be
established and the <em>zakat</em> be paid. This same has been the true religion
since ever. From this also it automatically follows that the followers
of the earlier scriptures, straying from this true religion, have
added extraneous things to it, which are false, and Allah's this
Messenger has come to invite them back to, the same original faith. 
</p>
<p>
In
conclusion, it has been pointed out clearly that the followers of the
earlier Books and the idolaters who would refuse to acknowledge this
Messenger are the worst of creatures: their punishment is an
everlasting Hell; and the people who would believe and act righteously,
and would spend life in the world in awe of God, are the best of
creatures: their reward is eternal Paradise wherein they will live for
ever. Allah became well pleased with them and they became well pleased
with Allah.
</p>

